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GOLDEN DEEDS IN 
CHARACTER EDUCATION 



GOLDEN DEEDS IN 
CHARACTER EDUCATION 



-y / 

M. Aj CASSIDY, M. A. 

SUPERINTENDENT OP PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY 



INDIANAPOLIS 

THE BOBBS - MEREILL COMPANY 

PCBLISHEBS 



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copyeiqht 1921 
The Bobbs-Mebbill Company 



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OCT 20 1921 



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INTRODUCTION 



Superintendent Cassidy has rendered a distinct 
service to character education, first by originating 
the system of Golden Deeds, and now by making 
the idea and the method by which it is rendered 
effective and available to a wider reading public by 
setting it forth in this book. 

True to the best traditions of educational theory, 
Superintendent Cassidy stresses by means of his 
system of Golden Deeds the character-aim in edu- 
cation. He holds truly that "learning without 
character is a vain and noxious thing," that "the 
public school is the loom in which the nation's 
destiny must be woven," and that "the warp and 
woof of that wondrous fabric must be character." 

The system of Golden Deeds rests upon sound 
educational principles. The active response of the 
pupil to concrete moral situations is evoked. 
Through the search for examples of the virtues 
taught in the various groups of which the pupil is 



INTRODUCTION 

a member there is real participation in social activi- 
ties. The plan constitutes an ingenious use of the 
project method by which the pupil is actually 
engaged in the making of a book of Golden Deeds 
which, when completed, represents a finished bit 
of purposive and intelligent activity. Moreover, 
the project is social, the concrete instances of the 
traits sought being reported to the class, worked 
over in discussion, and submitted to a final social 
judgment. By gathering the illustrations of the 
several qualities of character from a wide range of 
the child's experience in the home, in the school, on 
the playground, in the community, and in his read- 
ing world, and by raising these ideals into con- 
sciousness, the method makes certain that the 
ideals taught and the habits formed will be carried 
into the real life-experiences of the pupil. 

I have had the good fortune to see the system of 
character education through Golden Deeds in 
operation in the public schools of the city of Lex- 
ington for several years, and have, from time to 
time, personally examined the books prepared by 
the pupils. The results of the method have been 
most satisfactory in the directions pointed out by 
the author. 



INTRODUCTION 

Too much emphasis can not be laid upon the 
training of character in our modern world when 
our technique of knowledge is in danger of out- 
running our moral and spiritual ideals. Educators 
will be glad for this constructive suggestion as to 
how to make moral education effective in the 
schools. 

William Clayton Bower. 
Head of the Department of Education, 

Transylvania College, Lexington, Kentucky. 



CONTENTS 



How to Teach Golden Deeds 



Page 

. 15 



COURSE OF STUDY 



I Cleanliness and Neatness 35 

II Politeness 36 

III Gentleness 38 

IV Kindness to Others 39 

V Kindness to Animals 41 

VI Love 43 

VII Truthfulness 45 

VIII Duty and Fidelity 47 

IX Obedience ; 49 

X Nobility 52 

XI Gratitude 54 

XII Forgiveness 56 

XIII Honesty 58 

XIV Confession 60 

XV Self-Control 61 

XVI Honor 63 

XVII Courage 65 

XVIII Modesty 67 

XIX Self -Respect 69 

XX Prudence 71 

XXI Good Name 73 

XXII Manners 75 

XXIII Health 77 

XXIV Success 80 

XXV Labor 81 

XXVI Temperance 83 

XXVII Thrift 86 

XXVIII Patriotism 89 



GOLDEN DEEDS IN 
CHARACTER EDUCATION 



GOLDEN DEEDS IN 
CHARACTER EDUCATION 

HOW TO TEACH GOLDEN DEEDS 

Nathaniel Hawthorne, in his story of "The 
Great Stone Face/' presents a picture of idealism 
that is unexcelled in literature. Briefly summar- 
ized, the story is this: 

Embosomed among a family of lofty moun- 
tains there was a spacious valley. On the perpen- 
dicular side of a mountain, in full view, nature, in 
her mood of majestic playfulness, had formed a 
great stone human face. It seemed as if an enor- 
mous giant had sculptured his own benignant like- 
ness in the precipice. There were the broad arch 
of the forehead, the nose with its long bridge, the 
mouth which seemed about to utter words of wis- 
dom, the eyes which, in the sunlight, appeared to 
radiate love and beauty; in fact, every feature was 
there in majestic outline and all the original divin- 
ity intact. When the sun shone upon it, it seemed 
a benignant god smiling upon the happy valley. 

There was a legend that a child should be born 

15 



16 GOLDEN DEEDS 

in the valley who was destined to become the 
noblest person of his time, and whose countenance 
in manhood should bear an exact resemblance to 
"The Great Stone Face." 

In the valley there was a boy whose mother kept 
the legend before him. When the day's toil was 
over, he would gaze at "The Great Stone Face" 
until darkness veiled it, and he imagined that those 
vast features recognized him and gave him a kindly 
smile responsive to his look of veneration. All of 
the goodness and nobility that the sunlight re- 
flected from the noble countenance shone into his 
soul, transforming it into the image of his ideal. 
"The Great Stone Face" had become a teacher for 
him and the sentiment expressed in it enlarged his 
soul and filled it with deep sympathies and noble 
impulses. In studying it, he had developed a better 
wisdom than could be learned from books and a 
nobler life than could be moulded from his com- 
panions. Day by day, as he contemplated the 
majestic face and reflected upon the characteristics 
that must belong to such a countenance, all uncon- 
sciously he became like his ideal. The grandeur, 
nobility and goodness manifested in "The Great 
Stone Face" had by long familiarity and contem- 



GOLDEN DEEDS 17 

plation entered the soul of the boy, and he became 
noble and good. 

About twenty years ago, I reread this story with 
a new appreciation. I knew, of course, the value 
of high ideals in the development of character, but 
no methodical and practical way of presenting 
them to children had occurred to me. But out of 
the study that I gave the story of "The Great Stone 
Face" grew the scheme of character education that 
I shall present. Founded on the well-known law 
of mental suggestion, I feel that the plan is peda- 
gogically correct, and I am sure that the results of 
its use in the schools of Lexington, Kentucky, have 
justified the time and attention that are daily 
devoted to it. 

Long before the plan had been given a definite 
place and time in the schedule, had I realized that 
good character should be the chief aim of educa- 
tion and that, without it, the time, labor and money 
expended upon it are largely vain. But it is also 
true that all my efforts at character education had 
been haphazard. Like the great majority of edu- 
cators, I had trusted to the personality of the 
teacher, the moral atmosphere of the school itself, 
the didactic inculcation of good morals and gentle 



18 GOLDEN DEEDS 

manners through lectures and texts, and, largely, 
through inhibitions and punishments. There was 
neither method nor regularity in any of it, save, 
perhaps, in the inhibitions and punishments. These 
seemed to grow with the growth and strengthen 
with the strength of the children. 

But, in my appreciative rereading of Haw- 
thorne's story, I was convinced of two important 
facts: 

First, that character is a growth, and is never 
acquired in any miraculous way. That the seeds 
of all the cardinal virtues must be implanted early 
in the minds of children, and must be cultivated and 
trained with patient devotion if they are to produce 
the best ethical fruit. 

Second, that the well established law of mental 
suggestion is invaluable in character development, 
and that any percept or image that is focalized in 
the child's consciousness tends to reproduce that 
act. That whatever is seen or heard that relates 
to action, either good or bad, is very likely to induce 
or suggest that action. 

Shortly after rereading "The Great Stone Face," 
I found this magnificent passage in Plato's "Re- 
public" : "Only what is morally and aesthetically 



GOLDEN DEEDS 19 

pure and wholesome should be exhibited to the 
young; for we would not have our children grow 
up amid images of moral deformity as in some 
noxious pasture, and there browse and feed upon 
many a baneful herb and flower day by day and 
little by little, until they gather a festering mass of 
corruption in their own souls. Our youth should 
dwell in a land of health, amid fair sights and 
sounds; good deeds should ever fill their minds to 
the exclusion of those that are ignoble! and so 
beauty and goodness the effluence of good deeds, 
will fill the eye and ear, like a healthful breeze from 
a purer region, and, insensibly, draw the soul of 
childhood into harmony with beauty, goodness and 
reason/' And so it occurred to me that the self- 
activity of the children themselves should be em- 
ployed in searching for and treasuring good deeds 
illustrative of those virtues that are esteemed in 
civilized society. The aim was to turn their minds 
to and keep them on good things, and, in the search 
for good and noble actions in others, develop a 
spirit of emulation that would cause these desira- 
ble qualities subtly to grow into character. I was 
convinced that to have the mind continually fixed 
on the right, instead of the wrong, is a long step 



20 GOLDEN DEEDS 

toward having children love right actions and ac- 
quire the habit of doing them. And thus was the 
plan of character education, known as Golden 
Deeds, developed. The plan was suggested by 
Hawthorne, the name by Plato. 

About eighteen years ago, in some measure to 
meet the needs of the children of Lexington for 
high ideals, and thus helping them to model their 
lives and so become better men and women by the 
subtle inculcation of moral and civic righteousness, 
we began the use of this Golden Deeds system of 
character education. It was, at that time, incor- 
porated in the course of study and from ten to fif- 
teen minutes daily devoted to it. In all their read- 
ing, in the study of history, in current events, in 
literature and in their contact with life, the chil- 
dren are encouraged to treasure in their minds the 
good deeds and noble impulses which they may 
discover and tell them to their companions during 
the period devoted to this exercise. In a word, the 
children of Lexington are continually on the look- 
out for deeds which illustrate neatness, politeness, 
gentleness, kindness, love, truthfulness, duty, 
fidelity, obedience, nobility, gratitude, forgiveness, 
honesty, confession, self-control, honor, courage. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 21 

modesty, self-respect, prudence, good name, man- 
ners, health, success, labor, temperance, thrift, 
reverence, patriotism, and other desirable quali- 
ties. They not only search for good deeds in their 
reading and among their associates, but they get 
their parents to assist them. Many parents have 
told me that they have themselves been helped and 
strengthened by assisting their children in this 
laudable search for the true, the beautiful and the 
good. And teachers, too, have been made stronger 
and better, they have informed me, by continually 
hearing and dwelling upon the good actions that 
are daily reported in their class-rooms. 

When a good deed is told in a grade, the children 
discuss its worth. The purpose of the discussion is 
to impress it upon all the pupils, to familiarize them 
with what are considered the best actions under 
certain conditions, to make the majority, at least, 
responsible for the deeds that are enrolled, to teach 
the children how to stand and talk intelligently, 
and to make the exercise serve the purpose of an 
oral language lesson. If a deed, after discussion, is 
found worthy, by a majority vote of the grade, it is 
ordered of record in the Book of Golden Deeds. A 
Book of Golden Deeds is kept in each grade. This 



22 GOLDEN DEEDS 

book may be very simple and inexpensive. In the 
Lexington schools it is, usually, an ordinary com- 
position book, with Golden Deeds printed in gilt 
letters on the front cover. But there is much 
generous rivalry among the schools and grades 
as to which shall produce the best and most artistic 
volume. In the lowest grades, where reading is 
difficult and not extensive, the books are filled en- 
tirely with significant pictures which are cut from 
magazines and other periodicals. These pictures 
more graphically tell the story of good and noble 
things to them than would printed matter. 

Since this plan of character education was begun 
in Lexington, many thousands of good deeds have 
been reported and discussed and recorded by the 
children, and I have, with unfeigned pleasure, 
observed a marked improvement, year by year, in 
the tone and conduct of our youth. A higher sense 
of honor influences their actions; they are more 
courteous in every relation of life; a kindlier spirit 
prevails; cruelty to animals and birds is regarded 
as barbarous; and many of the cardinal virtues 
have become their permanent possession because 
of the high ideals that are constantly before them. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 23 

To stimulate interest in the Golden Deeds exer- 
cises, gold medals are annually awarded. The first 
and most valuable of these, is given to the school 
having the greatest number of good books; to the 
grade in the winning school having the best book; 
and, finally, to the student in that grade who has 
the most and best golden deeds to his credit. The 
second prize is awarded to the school that produces 
the most artistic book. 

The range of the students for good deeds is 
unlimited. They find them in their reading, in 
history and biography, in the newspapers and 
magazines, in the lives of parents, teachers, com- 
panions, citizens — everywhere. The children are 
encouraged to be constantly on the lookout for 
good deeds, and, when found, they take them to 
their several grades with the pride of discovery 
glowing in their faces. Thus is their attention 
directed to and fixed on the right instead of the 
wrong, and so, we believe, they are apt to love the 
right and do it ; for we are convinced that to have 
the attention fixed on generosity, courage, truth, 
honesty, kindness and other virtues, is a long step 
toward their possession; that in this search for 
good and noble actions in others, a spirit of emula- 



24 GOLDEN DEEDS 

tion is developed and these qualities subtly grow 
into character. 

The reporting of good actions performed by their 
companions is common. One of these, I recall, was 
applauded in all the schools. The deed was called 
heroism. And, indeed, it was. It referred to 
Alfred Cooper, a news boy, who went to school 
regularly and kept up in all of his studies; who 
deported himself at all times like a gentleman; 
worked night and morning to support himself and 
widowed mother, and who, though oftentimes 
hard pressed, refused all offers of charity. The 
applause which Alfred received when the Golden 
Deeds medal was awarded to him showed unmis- 
takably the regard which the young have for 
righteousness, when they are properly directed. 

Since it is generally known in Lexington that 
thousands of bright eyes and eager ears are in 
search of good deeds in the home, in the school, and 
upon the streets, I am sure that this plan of char- 
acter education has had a salutary influence upon 
those who are searched for the fine gold of good- 
ness as well as upon the searchers. Citizens who 
patronize the schools and teachers have told me 



GOLDEN DEEDS 25 

that helping their children to find good deeds and 
hearing these good things daily and discussing 
them with the children have greatly benefited 
them. 

In this phase of education as in every other, 
much depends upon the interest and enthusiasm of 
the teacher, whether this leader of youth be in the 
home or in the school. The parent and teacher 
must realize that the aim to be kept constantly in 
view is to have the minds of the children so occu- 
pied in the contemplation of the good that there 
will be neither room nor time for the bad. The 
good should be made so attractive, that the children 
will learn to love and practise it. Every teacher 
and parent should make a study of "The Great 
Stone Face," Hawthorne's wonderful story of the 
influence of ideals upon character. 

The following are the instructions given to the 
Lexington teachers for conducting the Golden 
Deeds exercises : 

I 

Devote fifteen minutes daily to Golden Deeds 
exercises. 

II 

First collect from the children the deeds which 
they have brought to illustrate the virtues, the 



26 GOLDEN DEEDS 

names of which are on your blackboards and the 
meanings of which have been learned. 

Ill 

Have as many of these deeds told to the grade as 
time will permit, by the pupils themselves, and then 
let the children talk about them. Let the discussion 
be free and unrestrained and so directed that the 
children may get the most out of it. The telling of 
these deeds will not only be a fine lesson in oral 
language ; but it will give you an excellent oppor- 
tunity to study your pupils and find the weak places 
in their characters that need your attention. 

IV 

Never record a deed in the Book of Golden Deeds 
until it has been told, discussed and, by a vote of 
the grade, found worthy. 



Encourage the children to search for good deeds 
and direct them where they may be found. Keep 
them constantly on the lookout for the best things 
and the best people. This will be a great factor in 
helping them to become good men and women. 
And, please remember that the children will dis- 
play the same enthusiasm in this matter as is 
manifested by the teachers themselves. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 27 

VI 

If no deeds are reported by the pupils on any day, 
the teachers should have a store of them in mind to 
tell the children so that the time set apart for this 
exercise may be always filled. 

While morality, good manners and all right 
doing should be inculcated through all the school 
activities, they should receive separate attention. 
Indeed, character development, and it must ever be 
a development, a growth, should be given greater 
emphasis than any other subject. Neither in the 
home nor the school should there be any waiting 
for the opportune moment. It is ever present. 
And, in this important phase of child training, the 
home and the school should intelligently cooperate. 
The school should know what the home is doing; 
and if the home foundation is safe, build upon it. 
Likewise, the home should know what the school 
is doing in this direction and give its cordial co- 
operation. 

It would be an excellent plan for every family to 
keep a Golden Deeds Book, and for each member of 
it, when at table or around the fireside, to report 
all the good and worthy things that they have seen, 



28 GOLDEN DEEDS 

heard or read about during the day. And when 
these good things are told and discussed, let one of 
the children put the best of them in the Book of 
Golden Deeds. This practice would not only do 
away with much of the foolish and, often, harmful 
gossip, but would cause every child in that family to 
grow in goodness and would also go far toward 
making the older members mend some of their 
ways. And, too, when the neighborhood learned 
that such books were in existence it might walk 
more circumspectly and grow an ambition to have 
some of its good deeds enrolled in the book. 

Herbart says: "Moral education begins in in- 
fancy; and is affected by everything that the eyes 
see, the ear hears, that the hands touch and handle, 
and by all the thoughts that are awakened in the 
child's mind by what is seen by it, or what is said 
or done in its presence. Therefore, moral educa- 
tion is effected chiefly through the child's most 
constant associations. I count it as one of the 
most hurtful delusions on this subject of moral 
training to suppose that any great effect can be 
produced by what is said to the child, or what the 
child studies out of a book, in regard to the princi- 
ples of mortality. These methods are useful and 



GOLDEN DEEDS 29 

have their place no doubt; but the great effect is 
produced by the sum total of the associations of the 
developing mind." 

Doctor O'Shea, the editor of the Childhood and 
Youth Series,* says: "The danger of exhibiting 
sin, even to condemn it, is that it will attract the 
child's attention and awaken his interest; and, 
when this happens, the chances are that he will 
wish to experiment with it. We may count on it as 
certain that many concrete evils call to the youth 
in exacting tones if he comes into their presence, 
and it is wise to fill his ears with other voices." 

The object of the plan of character training 
herein presented is to fill the ears of the young with 
other voices and to gladden their eyes with other 
sights than those which mar and blight. 

Learning without character is a vain and noxious 
thing. The great, underlying cause of the world 
conflagration which Germany started and the 
horrible deeds that her soldiers committed on sea 
and land were largely the fruits of her highly 
efficient system of education. But, though effi- 
cient, it was grossly material. None of those fine 
spiritual qualities that are so prized by civilized 

♦Published by The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis. 



30 GOLDEN DEEDS 

people were, for nearly fifty years preceding the 
War, permitted to influence the lives of German 
children. No trace of any fine ethical training 
could be found in her schools. Juvenile books con- 
tained no subtle moral lesson that should influence 
youth to goodness and gentility. Indeed, as a rule, 
such literature was taboo on the grounds that it 
produced inefficiency and softness in war. In a 
word, for many years the German people had been 
educated in the idea that might is right; that 
pledges may be broken with impunity; that the 
fine, ethical relations of life are fit only for deca- 
dent peoples; and that outrage and cruelty are 
synonymous with duty and courage. This system 
of education was highly organized and coordi- 
nated; perfect in routine and detail; but wholly 
materialistic. It was a system without any attempt 
to develop fine character, which is the very soul 
of education. 

The public school is the loom in which this 
nation's destiny must be woven. The woof and 
warp of that wondrous fabric must be character. 
Only in this way may a righteous public conscience 
be developed and perpetuated. The worth and 
strength of a nation depend far less on the form 



GOLDEN DEEDS 31 

of its institutions than upon the character of its 
people. Civilization itself is only a matter of in- 
dividual improvement. Not until character is the 
true and steady aim of the home and school will 
this nation become and remain righteous. And 
parents and teachers should ever keep in mind: 
One former is worth a thousand reformers. 

A little child is set down in the midst of us. Shall 
we lead him to the pure stream of righteousness; 
encourage him to lave in its limpid waters and 
behold him come forth clean and sweet; or, 
unguided, shall we allow him to wander away and 
dabble in the turgid puddles of vice ; and, at last, 
with our hands upraised in Pharasaic horror 
wonder how he became defiled? This is a momen- 
tous question. How shall we answer it? 

In the Golden Deeds plan of character education 
it should ever be kept in mind : 

First, that the self -activity of the child must be 
employed in the search for good deeds. 

Second, that everything depends on the interest 
and enthusiasm of the teachers or parents. 

The course of study, herein presented, is only 
suggestive; but some course should be followed 
systematically. This exercise should have a defi- 



32 GOLDEN DEEDS 

nite time and place in the schedule and it should 
always be happy and void of any moralizing and 
cant. 

The exposition of the cardinal virtues that enter 
into character is versified because this form 
appeals to children more than prose. These should 
either be committed to memory or studied until the 
thought of each is fixed in the pupils' minds. Thus 
may their search for the good deeds illustrating 
the virtues be more intelligently conducted. It will 
be the duty of parents and teachers to keep the 
children continually on the lookout for deeds that 
reinforce and illustrate the truths presented in the 
verse. • 



COURSE OF STUDY 



COURSE OF STUDY 

I 

CLEANLINESS AND NEATNESS 

(1) Body, hands, face, hair, teeth, nails, etc.; (2) 
clothing, shoes, etc.; (3) books, desk, room, 
etc. ; (4) in everything used or done. 

If I am always clean and neat 

In body, face, hair, teeth and nail, 
In room, in clothing, books and feet, 
And in clean speech I never fail, 
A gentleman or lady you 
Will find in me in all I do. 

Have the children tell stories illustrating cleanliness and neat- 
ness. 

35 



36 GOLDEN DEEDS 

II 

POLITENESS 

(1) At school; (2) at home; (3) at table; (4) to 
guests or visitors; (5) on the street; (6) in 
company; (7) proper forms of address; (8) 
politeness to servants. 

"Politeness is to do and say 

The kindest things in the kindest way." 

And so at home FU be polite 

And say and do that which is right 

To parents, brothers, sisters, too. 

And in the school, till I am through, 

ril be polite to every one 

In work or play or in my fun. 

And on the street FU try to be 

Polite as any one I see. 

And when in company I go 

That Fm polite Fll try to show. 

Above all else, Fll be polite 

And kind and never give a slight 

To any person who may be 

In station not quite up to me. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 37 

In fact, I'll be to every one 
Polite and kind like Jefferson. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating politeness. 



38 GOLDEN DEEDS 

III 

GENTLENESS 

(1) In speech; (2) in manners; (3) the ugliness 
of rude and boisterous conduct; (4) patience 
when misjudged ; (5) docility in instruction. 

How beautiful a gentle voice ! 

So gentle speech shall be my choice; 

And in my manners, too, Til see 

How kind and gentle I can be. 

I shall take care that conduct rude 

Shall never in my life intrude. 

If Fm misjudged, Fll patience show, 

And never in a passion grow. 

The most loved people I have seen, 

Or read about, have always been 

So gentle that I loved them, too. 

And would their winning ways pursue. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating the beauty 
of gentleness. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 39 

IV 

KINDNESS TO OTHERS 

(1) To parents; (2) to brothers and sisters; (3) to 
relatives and friends; (4) to the aged and 
infirm; (5) to the afflicted and unfortunate; 
(6) to the helpless and needy; (7) the Golden 
Rule. 

Kind looks, kind words, kind acts combine 
To fill the earth with glad sunshine. 
In kindness I can ne'er repay 
My parents, try how hard I may; 
For next to God my parents are 
In love and deeds of gentle care ; 
And so ril try to be each day 
More kind to them in every way. 
And to my brothers, sisters, kin, 
And all whose friendship I would win 
Some way in which I may be kind 
I shall each day attempt to find. 
And for the old Til try to do 
Some kindly deeds ; and Fll help, too, 
Whene'er I can, the poor I find, 
And hearten them by being kind. 



40 GOLDEN DEEDS 

And I shall ever have a care 
To help afflicted ones to bear 
Their ills as lightly as they can, 
And for their comfort often plan. 
True kindness is a Heavenly light 
That fills the doer with delight. 

HaYe the children tell stories and incidents illustrating kindness 
to others. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 41 

y 

KINDNESS TO ANIMALS 

(1) To those that serve us; (2) to those that do not 
harm us; (3) the birds, especial care in winter. 
Forms of kindness to others: 

(1) Sympathy; (2) deference and consideration; 
(3) helpfulness; (4) charity. 

No friend of mine, did one affirm, 
Is he who would destroy a worm 
Without a need or cruelly. 
And this is right; so I shall be 
To all dumb creatures very kind 
And help in any need I find. 
To mistreat birds Fm sure's a crime. 
Fll feed them in the winter-time 
And make them feel that Fm a friend 
Who loves them for the songs they send. 
The horse, the cow and all that serve, 
Fll show the kindness they deserve; 
And I shall try, in every way, 
To show Fm grateful every day. 
Like Walter Scott and Audubon 
And others who by love were drawn 



42 GOLDEN DEEDS 

I shall make friends of beasts and birds 
By kindly deeds and gentle words. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating kindness 
to animaU. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 43 

VI 

LOVE 

(1) For parents; (2) for brothers and sisters; (3) 
for others; (4) for benefactors; (5) for neigh- 
bors; (6) for God. 

Love is the brightest glimpse of Heaven 

That here on earth to us is given. 

It helps to give our earthly home 

A foretaste of the world to come. 

And so ril love my parents dear 

And in their lives bring love's sweet cheer. 

True love shall make me ever find 

A way that's helpful, gentle, kind 

Toward brothers, sisters, servants, all, 

So that when home I shall recall, 

With dear ones scattered far apart, 

No bitter thoughts disturb my heart. 

I shall make friends of all I meet 

By being gentle, kind and sweet: 

For 'tis the Bible that tells me : 

"Who would have friends must friendly be." 

And God, who is of love the source, 

Fll always love and praise, of course; 



44 GOLDEN DEEDS 

But not in words, alone, Til show 
My love; but by my deeds He'll know 
That this expanding soul of mine 
Is ever moved by love divine. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating love. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 45 

VII 

TRUTHFULNESS 

(1) In words and actions; (2) in keeping one's 
word (it is right to break a promise to do 
what is wrong) ; (3) telling what one does not 
know to be true; (4) the injustice and harm 
that may come from repeating rumor; (5) 
prevarication and exaggeration; (6) the giv- 
ing of wrong impressions a form of falsehood ; 
(7) telling falsehoods for fun. 

The most important thing to youth 

Is habit fixed of speaking truth. 

If we do not acquire it then 

It's hard to form when we are men; 

And habits, forming as we grow, 

Throughout our lives will plainly show. 

And so rU try by word and act 

To always stick to what is fact. 

ril promise nothing that's not right; 

But, promise made, I'll keep with might. 

And I shall ever be discreet 

When any rumor I repeat; 



46 GOLDEN DEEDS 

For rumor is most often lies 
Which, left alone, most always dies. 
And I shall not prevaricate 
Nor anything exaggerate, 
But speak the truth in all I say 
And form that habit every day. 
This habit, when in youth begun. 
Will help me grow like Washington. 

Hare the children tell stories and incidents illustrating truthful- 
ness. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 47 

VIII 

DUTY AND FIDELITY 

(1) To parents, to help, comfort and, if necessary, 
care for; (2) to brothers, sisters and friends; 
(3) to the poor and unfortunate; (4) to the 
wronged and oppressed; (5) to our country; 
(6) to God. 

To duty and fidelity 

I want to cling most faithfully. 

And so ril help and comfort give 

To my dear parents while they live ; 

And to my brother, sister, friend, 

I shall be faithful to the end. 

ril help the wronged and the oppressed, 

And try to comfort the distressed. 

And, too, my country Fll assist, 

And all her enemies resist; 

It shall my duty ever be 

To make her pure and keep her free. 

No act of mine shall bring a stain 

Upon her name; but hand and brain 

I'll use to make her good and strong — 

A country that will do no wrong. 



48 GOLDEN DEEDS 

I shall be faithful to her laws, 

And help in every righteous cause; 

When duty calls, I shall obey 

And faithful be in every way. 

A citizen I want to be 

Like Lincoln, Washington and Lee. 

The highest duty that I know 

Is love and reverence to show 

To God, who keeps us with His care 

And answers every proper prayer. 

His name I'll never use in vain. 

And from all evil I'll refrain. 

By being dutiful and good 

I'll show to Him my gratitude. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating duty and 
fidelity. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 49 
IX 

OBEDIENCE 

(1) To parents; (2) teachers and others in author- 
ity; (3) to law; (4) to conscience; (5) to God. 
Nature of obedience : 

(1) Prompt; (2) cheerful; (3) implicit; (4) faith- 
ful. 

The boy and girl who will obey, 

And who respect what parents say ; 

And who are prompt and cheerful, too, 

In doing what theyVe told to do. 

Will show to parents trust and love. 

And form a habit that will prove 

The greatest treasure they can own 

Both while they Ve young and when they're grown : 

For only those who can obey 

Know how to rule, the wise ones say. 

And so I shall my parents mind. 

And prompt and cheerful be and kind. 

Although I may not understand 

eJust what is meant by each command, 

Their tender care, in every way. 

Shows me 'tis wisest to obey. 



50 GOLDEN DEEDS 

My teachers take my parents' place, 

So I am sure I should disgrace 

My home, and parents, too, if I 

Should strict obedience them deny. 

Fve heard it said that children who, 

At home, do what they please to do. 

Will try to do the same in school. 

Defying every proper rule. 

And so the homes from which they came, 

For such bad conduct get the blame. 

So I shall try in every way 

To do just what my teachers say. 

Thus shall I show my home respect 

And my fond parents' names protect. 

This habit, formed in home and school, 

Of promptly minding ev'ry rule, 

Will make it easy to obey 

The laws, which are my country's stay. 

My conscience tells me what is right. 

So its commands I shall not slight. 

Its voice is small and still, indeed. 

But I shall hear and ever heed. 

My Heavenly Father I'll obey. 

And try to do His will each day. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 51 

Like Gladstone, Lincoln and the rest, 
Whose lives have been the very best, 
ril honor those commands of love 
That come from Him who rules above. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating obedience. 



52 GOLDEN DEEDS 

X 

NOBILITY 

(1) Manliness; (2) womanliness; (3) magnanim- 
ity and generosity; (4) self-denial and self- 
sacrifice for others; (5) bravery in helping or 
saving others; (6) confession of injury or 
wrong done another. 

'Tis not in rank, nor yet in blood, 
" Tis only noble to be good." 
And, humble though my station be, 
I can attain nobility 
And keep my title ever bright 
By always doing what is right. 
A kindly heart I'll cultivate, 
And righteous ones FU imitate; 
For if I grow like them, I know 
My life nobility will show. 
No selfish thoughts must fill my mind ; 
For noble folk are always kind 
And free from every selfish vice, 
But self for others sacrifice. 
And, too, the noble are the brave 
Who'll risk their lives some one to save. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 58 

A wrong to others they confess 
And make amends for their distress. 
The loving, daring, truthful, brave, 
Who all the homely virtues have. 
By all the wise and good will be 
Ranked high among nobility. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating nobility. 



54 GOLDEN DEEDS 

XI 

GRATITUDE 

(1) To parents; (2) to benefactors; (3) to God. 

When one receives a benefit, 
^ And then forgets who granted it; 
Or who neglects in kind to pay, 
Or show his thankfulness someway. 
Is guilty of ingratitude, 
A trait considered very rude; 
In fact, the very meanest trait, 
Which all good people shun and hate. 
And so FU not ungrateful be 
To those who favors show to me ; 
But I shall try in every way. 
To be more grateful day by day. 
God is to me the best of friends, 
And so my gratitude ascends 
From sincere heart in grateful prayer 
At evening time and morning fair. 
All I can ever do or say 
Can not my parents' love repay. 
They gave me life and tender care. 
And kept my feet from every snare. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 55 

No sacrifice for me they thought 
Too great that to me comfort brought; 
And all I am or hope to be 
My loving parents gave to me. 
Ingratitude to them would prove 
That Fm unworthy of their love. 
To all who help in any way 
I shall my gratitude display. 
The pigs that eat the nuts that fall, 
And at the tree ne'er look at all, 
Are like the folks who favors get 
And never feel they owe a debt. 

Have the children toll stories and incidents illustrating gratitude. 



56 GOLDEN DEEDS 

XII 

FORGIVENESS 

(1) Of all who confess their faults; (2) of all who 
have wronged us; (3) of our enemies. 

Forgiveness is a trait divine 
That I must let in my life shine 
If I, myself, would be forgiven 
By Him who rules in highest Heaven. 
If one does me a wrong by word 
Or act, and tells me he has erred ; 
And to me it is very clear 
That he is honest and sincere 
And wants again to be my friend, 
I must forgiveness then extend. 
And in the Bible, too, I see, 
I must forgive an enemy. 
While this is very hard to do, 
I can no other course pursue 
And be like Christ, whose dying word, 
Forgiving foes, was plainly heard. 
And when another's faults I see, 
I must both kind and gentle be. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 57 

And by example try to show 
Which is the better way to go. 
This motto in my life must shine : 
"Forgiving others is divine/' 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating forgive- 



58 GOLDEN DEEDS 

XIII 

HONESTY 

(1) In keeping one's word ; (2) honesty as applied 
to self; (3) honesty as applied to others; (4) 
honesty in little things; (5) living within one's 
means; (6) honesty, the best policy, because it 
is right. 

"Thou shalt not steal," is a command 

Which every one can understand. 

But that's not all of honesty. 

As any one who thinks may see. 

That much may keep one out of jail. 

And still in honesty he'll fail. 

Their word all honest persons keep, 

And never think a promise cheap. 

All honest men are very fond 

Of these four words : "His word's his bond." 

One with himself must honest be: 

That is, look in his heart and see 

What there is not both pure and right, 

And root it out with all his might. 

In this one must be honest, too: 

Give every one his credit due; 



GOLDEN DEEDS 59 

For in us all, 'tis understood, 

There must be something true and good. 

In business one must ever see, 

"Best policy is honesty." 

So one must never overstate. 

Or in a sale exaggerate. 

When one's employed a task to do, 

He is dishonest and untrue 

If he at any time should shirk, 

Or fail to do his best at work. 

And toward dishonesty one leans. 

Who fails to live within his means ; 

For when one spends more than he makes, 

The honest way that one forsakes. 

Abe Lincoln one should imitate; 

For being honest made him great. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating honesty. 



60 GOLDEN DEEDS 

XIV 

CONFESSION 

(1) Of wrong done another, a mark of nobility; 
(2) frankness and candor. 

It's brave and noble to confess 

A fault or wrong that caused distress 

To enemy or loving friends. 

And try one's best to make amends. 

When one confesses he was wrong, 

He shows an open mind and strong. 

And that he has much wiser grown 

His faults of yesterday to own. 

Confession of an evil done, 

Is proof that goodness has begun. 

When we confess to God our sins. 

At once His sympathy it wins ; 

And though He knew our sins before, 

He will remember them no more 

If heart-felt sorrow we express, 

And promise true when we confess. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents of confession. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 61 
XV 

SELF-CONTROL 

(1) Control of temper; (2) anger; (3) avoidance of 
hasty words; (4) thinking twice before speak- 
ing; (5) self-restraint when tempted; (6) self- 
restraint under provocation; (7) "He that 
ruleth his own spirit is mightier than he that 
taketh a city." 

The one who does himself control 
Will have sound body and pure soul. 
To anger such an one is slow, 
And hasty temper will not show. 
He always thinks before he speaks, 
And reason for his words he seeks. 
He hardships bears without complaint; 
When tempted he has self-restraint. 
When troubles thick upon him pile 
He views them with so brave a smile 
They melt away, yea every one. 
Like morning mist before the sun. 
His passions and desires he rules, 
And all excuses leaves to fools. 



62 GOLDEN DEEDS 

Engagements by the clock he'll keep ; 
Has hours for work and play and sleep. 
Like Washington and Franklin, too, 
He is to self and others true. 
Because he rules himself aright, 
To honor him all folks delight 
So I will be to self a king. 
And rule myself in everything. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating self-control. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 63 
XVI 

HONOR 

(1) To honor one's self — to be worthy of honor; 
(2) to honor one's family; (3) to honor one's 
friends; (4) to honor one's home; (5) to honor 
one's country. 

We must two meanings honor give : 
It's what we get and what we live. 
The former is the rich reward 
We get from other folks' regard ; 
The other grows up in the mind 
And is by far the better kind. 
It makes us love the good and true, 
And scorn ignoble things to do. 
So honor with ourselves begins 
Before the world's regard it wins. 
And first, we must our bodies give 
Due honor in the lives we live, 
By keeping them at all times clean 
And free of actions low and mean. 
Our lives must be as pure as light 
If we our bodies honor right. 



64 GOLDEN DEEDS 

And we must honor soul and mind 
By making both the highest kind. 
The soul toward God must ever rise; 
The mind become, through learning, wise. 
And so with bodies strong and clean, 
With souls above all that is mean, 
And minds with wisdom richly stored, 
Tis only then we may afford 
To take the honors men can give 
And with an easy conscience live. 
'Twas thus that Lincoln's honors came; 
An honest life gained honored name. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating honor. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 65 

XVII 

COURAGE 

(1) True courage — daring to do right and defend- 
ing the right; (2) in bearing affliction; (3) 
in bearing unjust censure and unpopularity; 
(4) in danger or misfortune; (5) heroism. 

Whoever dares to do the right, 

However hard may be the fight, 

Will never lack for courage true 

In anything he wants to do. 

Such courage makes one answer no, 

When tempted in wrong ways to go. 

However hard desires insist, 

Unholy pleasures he'll resist; 

For well he knows that they by stealth, 

Pollute his mind, destroy his health. 

In speaking truth he is so brave 

He would not lie himself to save. 

He is to right so brave a friend 

He'll risk his all it to defend. 

He meets misfortunes with a smile 

But bravely fights them all the while. 



66 GOLDEN DEEDS 

From necessary dangers he 
Is never known to turn and flee; 
But rash and foolish acts for show, 
He has the courage to forego. 
His country's honor he holds dear; 
Would die for it without a fear. 
When Slander does his name decry, 
He holds his head so proudly high. 
Her tongue is paralyzed with shame. 
And brighter shines his well-won fame. 
In civic matters he is bold, 
And though he does not rant and scold, 
He speaks, as one who has no fear. 
Of bad conditions that appear. 
And curing them, he takes the lead, 
And courage shows in every need. 
Such courage I would make my own. 
While I am young, so that, when grown, 
ril meet all fates with best of cheer. 
And even death, without a fear. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating courage. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 67 

XVIII 

MODESTY 

(1) True greatness, not blind to one's own faults; 
(2) modesty, the glory of young and old; (3) 
avoidance of pride and vanity; (4) self-conceit, 
a sign of self-deception; (5) true humility, 
neither servility nor time-serving. 

If one has merit, it will show 
In action, so that all may know. 
But boasting always brings distrust 
And fills the hearer with disgust. 
By self-examination we 
Our merits and demerits see; 
And if we then compare the sums. 
We'll know that silence best becomes. 
Great men and women day by day 
Make estimates of self that way. 
And so no one has ever heard 
From one of them a boasting word. 
True modesty is not abject. 
But has the pride of self-respect. 
While one of merit may be proud, 
He should not speak of it aloud, 



68 GOLDEN DEEDS 

But let it shine out in his deeds; 
For that is all the boast it needs. 
So folks should never make display, 
In any sort of boasting way, 
Of any merits they possess. 
Or their importance ever stress; 
For all their merits one may see 
Beneath the veil of modesty. 
And he who boasts of ancestry 
Quite evidently shows that he 
Is like the sweet potato found. 
Best part of which is underground. 
True modesty's a low, sweet root 
From which the heavenly virtues shoot. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating modesty. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 69 

XIX 

SELF-RESPECT 

(1) Based on conscious moral and intellectual 
worth; (2) self-respect is not self -admiration ; 
(3) resulting in personal dignity; (4) distinc- 
tion between self-love and selfishness; (5) 
^*Be not wise in your own conceits." 

To make our bodies strong, erect, 
We must those bodies show respect 
By keeping them so clean and pure, 
They may the ills of life endure, 
And have the strength to carry through 
The big things we want to do. 
Our real selves, the soul and mind, 
Within our bodies are confined ; 
And if the places where they dwell 
Are not at all times strong and well, 
The soul and mind can not attain 
The shining goal that we would gain. 
Now habits that will make us strong. 
And life and vigor will prolong. 
We will in early youth perfect, 
If we have proper self-respect, 



70 GOLDEN DEEDS 

The bath will be our chief delight; 

We'll tidy be from morn till night; 

We will a plan and time devise 

For taking proper exercise; 

Our teeth shall have the best of care, 

As also shall our nails and hair; 

Our food shall be well-cooked and plain; 

From over-eating we'll refrain ; 

All hurtful drinks we will refuse, 

And no tobacco will we use. 

And any habit we'll correct 

That might destroy our self-respect. 

Our minds and souls, through self-respect, 

Will never suffer from neglect. 

The mind we'll cultivate with care. 

The soul we'll guard from every snare. 

And so, with bodies strong and clean. 

And intellects both broad and keen; 

With souls that know and love the right. 

And make us do it with our might, 

We may good deeds through life effect, 

And gain the world's and God's respect. 

Hare the children tell stories and incidents illustrating self- 
respect. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 71 

XX 

PRUDENCE 

(1) In speech and action; (2) when one may be 
misunderstood; (3) respect for the opinions 
of others; (4) "Judge not that ye be not 
judged/' 

We have one tongue, but two bright eyes, 

And that is why it must be wise 

To see just twice as much each day 

As it is ever wise to say. 

So we must always careful be 

In talk of what we hear and see, 

Lest we should give another pain. 

And for ourselves an ill will gain. 

Tis prudence makes us circumspect. 

And on our words and acts reflect 

Before we ever speak or do, 

If speech or acts we would not rue. 

And prudence is a double good 

When it is rightly understood ; 

It gives to us a saving tact 

That makes us cautious how we act, 



72 GOLDEN DEEDS 

Thus keeping us from harm or shame 
That might destroy our own good name; 
And, too, it makes us long reflect 
Just how our actions would affect 
Another's good name or his life. 
Or would, perhaps, cause needless strife. 
And prudence prompts us to advise 
With others who are good and wise 
When we are doubtful what to do 
In any course we would pursue. 
And, too, it prompts us to recall 
The fate that others did befall. 
When they attempted any kind 
Of acts that we may have in mind. 
Tis prudence makes us cautious, too, 
In judging what our neighbors do. 
Lest judgments that we pass along 
May come to us when we do wrong. 
Oh, prudence is a virtue rare 
That makes us act and speak with care. 

Hare the children tell stories and incidents illustrating prudence. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 73 
XXI 

GOOD NAME 

(1) "Rather to be chosen than great riches"; (2) 
gaining a good name when young; (3) keep- 
ing a good name; (4) keeping good company; 
(5) reputation and character. 

By Solomon, the wise, we're told, 

Good name is better far than gold, 

It is a wealth that all may own. 

But from which none should make a loan, 

Or give it up at any price 

That is proposed by sin and vice. 

The greatest poet of them all, 

A good name does a jewel call; 

And gives it setting in the mind, 

The noblest part of human kind. 

No one would dare to call him rash 

For saying wealth is merest trash; 

Yea, all the riches one can claim. 

When 'tis compared to one's good name. 

Now, all agree that this is truth; — 

A good name should be gained in youth. 



74 GOLDEN DEEDS 

If one observes this simple rule 

At home, abroad and in the school, 

He will accomplish his desire 

And without doubt good name acquire; — 

Resolve each day to do the right, 

And not a single duty slight. 

When night comes on all acts review, 

And vow next day to better do. 

Thus one may get the kind of name 

That none needs ever speak with shame. 

But one's good name will fade away, 

Unless he uses care each day 

The right companions to select — 

Upright and true, with self-respect. 

No one may hold this proverb cheap : — 

"We're known by company we keep." 

Much harder than for wealth and fame 

Let's strive to get and keep good name. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating the value 
of good name. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 75 

XXII 

MANNERS 

(1) At home; (2) in school; (3) in company; (4) 
when a visitor; (5) in public assemblies; (6) 
salutations on the street; (7) politeness to 
strangers; (8) avoid trifling with serious 
matters. 

It is in manners, all agree, 

We judge what person one must be. 

If one is loud, uncouth and rude, 

Is awkward in his attitude, 

In speech indecent or unkind, 

To talking of himself inclined, 

Displays himself in fancy dress. 

By sloven ways his friends distress, 

It may be then quite safely said, 

That person is most illy bred. 

Good manners in the home are shown 

Both while we're small and when we're grown. 

By being all the time polite, 

Regarding every member's right, 

And acting all the time as we 

Would in the best of company. 



76 GOLDEN DEEDS 

In fact, at home good manners grow 

Into a habit that will show 

In any company we meet 

In other homes or on the street. 

We must in school be circumspect, 

Else on the home we will reflect; 

For if onr manners there are bad 

Poor training in the home we've Iiad. 

In public places one must be 

Attentive and polite, and free 

From conversations, low or loud. 

That might disturb the listening crowd. 

Some people manners here neglect, 

And show to others no respect. 

One's bearing, words and looks and gait 

His manners truly indicate, 

And to the world quite plainly show 

He is well-bred or mean and low. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating manuerfi. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 77 

XXIII 

HEALTH 

(1) Duty to self and friends and country to pre- 
serve health; (2) habits that impair health, 
foolish and sinful; (3) the sowing of "wild 
oats'' — "what a man sows that shall he also 
reap" ; (4) a duty to observe the laws of health ; 
(5) the body never forgets its abuse. 

"Nor love, nor honor, wealth, nor power 
Can give the heart a cheerful hour 
When health is lost. Be timely wise ; 
With health all taste of pleasure flies." 
Long years ago the poet, Gray, 
Said this, and it is true to-day; 
For what is fame or boundless wealth 
Compared with constant, robust health? 
Indeed, achievement will depend 
Upon attention that we lend 
To making life both sweet and long 
By keeping ever well and strong. 
The way to health is very plain. 
And easy, too, for all to gain: 



78 GOLDEN DEEDS 

We must be clean and take great care 
To get sunshine and breathe fresh air; 
Be active, eat plain food; and so 
In strength and vigor we shall grow. 
If we are wise we will beware 
Of habits that will health impair. 
They may be pleasant for a while, 
But soon will make us sick and vile. 
Sometimes, while young, we vainly think 
There's music in the glasses' clink, 
And realize when 'tis too late 
'Twas but to health a note of hate; 
For sure as fate the flowing bowl 
Destroys the body and the soul. 
Most foolish habit one can get 
Is sucking from a cigarette 
A poison that will body stunt 
And make of it a poor, weak runt. 
The boy or girl who stops to think 
Will never at this habit wink. 
And he who sows "wild oats" will find 
That crop he must both reap and bind 
In ruined body, weakened brain. 
And other ills that with these train. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 79 

In mind this proverb ever keep : 
"Just as we sow, so shall we reap." 
It is a duty that we owe 
To country and to self to grow 
To be healthy and so strong 
That life and vigor may be long. 
Then only can we best work do, 
And wealth attain and honors too. 
Thus may we serve our country best, 
And loyalty to her attest. 
By this true saying all should live: 
"Abuse, our bodies ne'er forgive." 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating the ralue 
of goo<l health. 



80 GOLDEN DEEDS 

XXIV 

SUCCESS 

Success — What is success? How is it to be at- 
tained? (1) In school? (2) In business? (3) 
In a profession? (4) How does good char- 
acter help to success? 

Success is at the ladder's top, 
And of itself will never drop. 
To get it, all, both old and young, 
Must climb the ladder rung by rung. 
However toilsome be the climb. 
However long may seem the time, 
However freely we perspire. 
However much our legs may tire, 
However painful hands may burn, 
However dizzy we may turn, 
However loudly pleasures call. 
However fearful that we fall, 
However jostled on the way, 
Howe'er discouraged, day by day, 
If ever upward we progress. 
At last we must attain success. 
For it is at the ladder's top 
And never of itself will drop. 

Hare the children tell stories and incidents illustrating success. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 81 

XXV 

LABOR 

(1) Labor and duty a privilege; (2) right use of 
time; (3) manual labor honorable; (4) self- 
support gives manly independence; (5) avoid- 
ance of unnecessary debt; (6) opportunity to 
earn a living due every one. 

The greatest blessing we enjoy 

Is that we may our time employ 

In doing fine and useful things, 

And feel the joy that labor brings. 

The one who labors with his hands 

And helps supply the world's demands, 

Our honor and our thanks deserves. 

If well and faithfully he serves. 

The man who tends a railroad switch, 

Or he who digs a needed ditch, 

Does any kind of useful work, 

And never slights or tries to shirk. 

Should our consideration get, 

Though soiled his clothes with dirt and sweat. 

It's not the job that honors one. 

But just how well the job is done. 

And so with work of any kind. 

With nimble hands or well-trained mind, 



82 GOLDEN DEEDS 

If in the work the worker lives, 
Has pride in it, best effort gives, 
He is a noble man, indeed ; 
Respect and plenty are his meed. 
For idlers, be they rich or poor, 
Whom naught but pleasure doth allure, 
No honest person has regard; 
But his contempt is their reward. 
The world is such a busy place. 
That not to work is deep disgrace. 
The sweetest pleasure we can know 
Is when best effort we bestow 
On any work that we have planned, 
However humble, or how grand; 
A garden hoed or lesson learned. 
Or desert into beauty turned. 
Recalling this, let's never stop: 
"An idle mind's the DeviFs shop." 
'Tis there he makes some sinful thing 
That will disgrace and ruin bring. 
And there's another proverb true. 
That we should ever keep in view: 
"Much mischief Satan ever finds 
For idle hands and idle minds." 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating the dignity 
and importance of labor. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 83 

XXVI 

TEMPERANCE 

(1) Moderation in the enjoyment of appetite in 
things not harmful; (2) total abstinence from 
things injurious; (3) danger in the use of 
alcoholic liquors; (4) courage to resist social 
temptations; (5) injurious effects of tobacco 
on growing boys; (6) cigarette smoking a 
serious evil. 

When one's attacked by beast or snake, 
And knows full well his life's at stake, 
He'll make a gallant fight to save 
Himself from an untimely grave. 
And if he knows an enemy 
Puts poison in his milk or tea 
That will at length destroy his mind 
And bring him ills of every kind, 
Most rash and foolish he would be 
If he should drink that milk or tea. 
When in our path pitfalls appear 
Another course our steps we steer. 
So temperance is just good sense 
That makes us act in self-defense. 



84 GOLDEN DEEDS 

To eat to live is well enough ; 
But when one lives to gorge and stuff 
More than his stomach can digest 
With health he will not long be blest. 
The temper is a fiery thing 
Which, uncontrolled, will trouble bring. 
Unless 'tis kept at temperate heat, 
One says and does things indiscreet. 
And Nature's gift, the passions, are 
As raging lion or hungry bear 
That will on mind and body prey, 
Unless we keep them well at bay. 
Whenever we permit excess. 
Upon ourselves we bring distress. 
In these we must be temperate 
And all indulgence moderate. 
But from two deadly poisons we 
Should keep ourselves entirely free: 
The one is drinking what we know 
Will bring the mind and body woe; 
The other is tobacco's use, 
For which there's never an excuse. 
The first is poison that has killed 
More people than all wars, and filled 



GOLDEN DEEDS 85 

The world with misery untold, 

Yea, more than wars a hundred fold. 

From drink the wise will all refrain. 

For 'tis a thief that steals the brain, 

Destroys the health, brings poverty 

Upon one's self and family 

And in the end, death, with disgrace 

Which all his dearest friends must face. 

The other poisons by degrees; 

To lungs and heart it brings disease; 

And, used while young, the body stunts 

And leaves the users weakly runts. 

Oh, temperance is just good sense 

That makes us act in self-defense. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating temperance. 



86 GOLDEN DEEDS 

XXVII 

THRIFT 

(1) The importance of forming the habit of saving 
while young. (2) How does thrift and saving 
bring independence? (3) Why should one 
spend less than he makes? (4) How does debt 
threaten our independence? (5) Why should 
our public spirit grow with increased savings? 
(6) How do savings help us to increase 
charity? 

When one has formed the habit thrift 
He has acquired a precious gift; 
For independence it will give 
To him as long as he shall live. 
Thrift only means to make and save, 
So that in plenty one may have; 
But does not mean to hoard and stint 
Till one has money like a mint. 
It does mean, though, that we shall take 
Great care to spend less than we make; 
Which can be done quite well, indeed, 
By buying only what we need, 



GOLDEN DEEDS 87 

And not indulging our desire 

For luxuries and fine attire. 

If we a little each day save 

Our way to plenty we shall pave, 

And thus avoid that horror debt, 

Which is to liberty a threat; 

For when in debt we deeply go 

We servants are to those we owe. 

By thrift and great frugality 

We keep our pride and liberty. 

By wasting time and money we 

Are sure to come to poverty. 

But thrift in saving always brings 

The saver into bigger things. 

The earth is made of grains of sand. 

And into oceans drops expand, 

Whole books are made from little facts 

And habits come from little acts. 

So pennies into fortunes turn. 

As all who try may some day learn. 

But thrift is not a selfish act; 

It only prudence is, in fact; 

For in our youth we must beware 

Lest in old age a public care 



88 GOLDEN DEEDS 

We shall become, or, on a friend 

For home and food and clothes depend. 

While we must not be known as "tight," 

We should not spend without foresight; 

And if investments we would make 

That they are safe care we should take. 

Such cautious judgment is not greed. 

And we must use it to succeed. 

Now all our thrift should seasoned be 

With timely liberality; 

That is, wise charity bestow 

And public spirit always show ; 

For in the Bible we are shown. 

We live not for ourselves alone. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illustrating thrift. 



GOLDEN DEEDS 89 

XXVIII 

PATRIOTISM 

(1) Love of country; (2) reverence for its flag; 
(3) respect for its rules; (4) its defense when 
necessary; (5) regard for its honor and good 
name. 

The light of love that never dies 
Is kindled first by mother's eyes 
When we in childhood see them burn 
With love that naught can ever turn. 
As we in mind and stature grow 
The light increases till its glow 
In wider circles radiance sends, 
Illuming home and dearest friends, 
And, too, the country of our birth, 
The sweetest, fairest land on earth. 
'Tis love that makes us all revere 
Our parents and to them bring cheer 
By helping them in every way, 
And never failing to obey. 
It is this love that makes our home 
The dearest spot 'neath heaven's dome, 



90 GOLDEN DEEDS 

And gives us courage to defend 
That home from foe to bitter end. 
We want to keep it sweet and clean, 
And free of everjrthing that's mean. 
We want it neat in every room 
And flowers within the yard to bloom; 
The simple laws our parents make 
To rule the home are for our sake, 
And love will not from any cause 
Let us neglect these homely laws. 
Just as we love and honor home 
When we are there or when we roam, 
Respect its rules and rulers, too, 
Want it to be fine, good and true, 
So should our love of country be, 
Our wondrous home of Liberty. 
For country is our larger home 
Whose roof is just the sky's blue dome. 
It is, indeed, the air we breathe. 
The forests which the land enwreathe, 
The mountains towering toward the sun, 
The rivers that through valleys run. 
The cities, towns and fertile field, 
The mines which coal and metals yield. 
The wooded hill and rolling plain, 



GOLDEN DEEDS 91 

The wavy fields, the birds, the droning bees, 

The wonderful great inland seas. 

The people, busy, happy, free. 

Who honor God and Liberty, 

The deep blue oceans that are curled 

About the fairest spot of world; 

All these compose our great country 

"Home of the brave, land of the free." 

And patriotism is the way 

We love this land, its laws obey. 

And all the efforts we bestow 

To make it greater, nobler grow. 

Our country is our larger home 

Our roof is just the sky's blue dome. 

Have the children tell stories and incidents illufetrating patriotltm. 



THE END 



